Hart's Hotel

For years, a derelict building occupied the area where Hart's Hotel now stands in Nottingham. There had been several unsuccessful attempts to obtain planning permission to redevelop the site. It was hotel owners Tim and Stefa Hart who hit on a winning formula when they approached architects Marsh Grochowski, a Nottingham-based practice that prides itself on design solutions that are sympathetic to place and context.

Despite being in the centre of the city, the building is positioned high on a cliff, exposing it to severe weather. The architects decided that a high quality external wall insulation system would be the appropriate solution and chose StoTherm Classic. Mike Askey of Marsh Grochowski said: "I had seen it used on other projects of a similar design, and used it previously myself, so I was fully aware of its capabilities. I was confident that I would get all the technical advice I might need and the on-site quality that would bring the project to life."

The StoTherm Classic system provides massive scope for design, available in a vast colour choice of finishing renders and compatible with brick slip, tiles and stone-style finishes. Very low U–values can be achieved, and because the insulation is applied to the exterior with no cavity required, the internal space can be used more efficiently. The system can be fixed adhesively or mechanically – the adhesive system was used for Hart's Hotel.

The system owes its outstanding performance to the cement-free, flexible, fibre-reinforced plaster StoArmat Classic, into which a glass fibre reinforcing mesh is embedded, creating an extremely crack resistant finish.

The installation of the StoTherm Classic system was carried out by ECL Contracts Ltd. Their experience in the External Wall Insulation industry spans three decades. Their reputation as an innovative market leader enabled them to work closely with Sto to provide the client with a first class installation.

Mike Askey said: "The StoTherm Classic system provided us with a smooth finish and crisp, sharp edge profiling. The external insulation skin provides excellent thermal efficiency throughout, allowing larger windows in the bedrooms – a real benefit with the views available." Four subtle shades of grey from the StoColor System were chosen to complete the sophisticated appearance of Hart's Hotel, giving it a modern look, but ensuring that it remains very much in keeping with its neighbouring properties and historic surroundings.